Lawmakers launch inquiry into future of UK energy investment

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LONDON, Feb 28 (Reuters) - A committee of British lawmakers has launched an inquiry into the outlook for future investment in energy infrastructure in Britain after two nuclear projects were halted, it said on Thursday.

Last month, Japan’s Hitachi> put a $28 billion nuclear power project in Britain on hold, dealing a blow to the country’s plans for the replacement of ageing plants and coalplant closures.

Another Japanese firm, Toshiba Corp., scrapped its British NuGen project last year after its U.S. reactor unit Westinghouse went bankrupt and it failed to find a buyer.

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee said it will look at whether the government needs a new approach to accelerate investment in a future low-carbon energy system.

The inquiry will also likely examine ways of financing future nuclear plant new-builds and concerns over foreign investors in the sector.

“In the wake of investment decisions over nuclear plants at sites such as Moorside and Wylfa, a giant hole has developed in UK energy policy,” said Rachel Reeves, chair of the committee.

“A bigger shift in our energy infrastructure to a low-cost, low-carbon energy system is necessary,” she added.

The committee has invited interested parties to make submissions on its website until April 3. (Reporting by Nina Chestney; Editing by Janet Lawrence)